Dinosaur World in Plant City is swapping its usual roar for holiday cheer this winter, transforming its 20-acre jungle into what the park is billing as a prehistoric winter wonderland. Christmas at Dinosaur World kicks off Friday, November 27, and runs through January 3, 2027, bringing miles of Christmas lights, a Candy Cane Express train and a Christmas Market to wind among the park's life-size dinosaurs.
According to Dinosaur World, opening night on November 27 will feature a Christmas tree lighting, and the event is included with regular daytime admission — no separate ticket required. Tickets run $19.95 online or $24.95 at the gate, and the park notes they are valid rain or shine with no refunds. As WKMG reports, families can also visit the Elf Workshop, where kids build their own take-home dinosaur or dragon skeleton, along with face painting and glitter tattoos included with admission.
Extended Nights, Santa Visits and Holiday Hours
The park is normally open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the event, per the official event page, but select nights stretch later. The Christmas Market and Santa meet-and-greets are available during extended hours, while Santa appears on select nights; Dinosaur World's own event page directs visitors to its calendar for his schedule. The park will be closed entirely on Christmas Day.
Food options also include dirty sodas, nachos, kettle corn and cotton candy, the park's page notes. WKMG also reports that food truck favorites will be served on-site courtesy of Heifers B Trippin.
A Local Partner Teams Up for Holiday Sips
Dinosaur World is partnering with Plant City neighbor Keel Farms to serve wine and cider during the event, according to WKMG.
Beyond the food and drink, the season pass lets visitors return on any event day throughout the run, and leashed dogs are welcome to join the holiday stroll, per the park's official listing. Whether families come for the Candy Cane Express, the Christmas Market or just a chance to see dinosaurs dressed up for the holidays, Dinosaur World's version of the season runs through January 3, 2027, with the one notable exception of a closed gate on Christmas Day itself.
